Particle Size Control/Air Classification

Air Classification and sieving are the two most common mechanical procedures that can be used to control particle size.

Air classifiers use a technique by which dry powders of mixed particle size are separated into two distinct fractions, either side of a specified cut point. They are highly versatile and can be used for the production of powders with a particle size anywhere between 1 micron and 300 microns. The technology is based on the generation of differential forces on the particles of different sizes within an air system.

The same technology can be applied to the separation of the constituent parts of a powder mixture in which the underlying fractions experience different forces within the air system by virtue of their shape, density or mass, rather than their particle size alone. Common applications involve the removal of contamination in primary production environments or the separation and recovery of specific materials in recycling operations.

Vibratory sieving technology is used to separate contamination or to grade products into specified size categories, or fractions, usually of 40 microns or higher, by using a mesh, net or some other similar method. It is used extensively in the food industry for check-sieving.

British Rema offers the following air classifier and industrial sieving product ranges:

Aerosplit Classifier - a range of high efficiency air-swept classifiers for ultrafine powders. Units can operate in stand-alone or closed-circuit systems and are used primarily for products down to 1 micron.

Aerosplit 100 Classifier - a self-contained, precision-built air classification system developed for research, or small production applications. Particle size range is typically from 1 micron to 50 microns.